Who Is Simon Birkett?
Simon John Birkett, also known online as “Woodlander,” is a Wiltshire-based traditionalist who promotes off-grid living. He resides in a hand-built log cabin and operates a small tattoo studio.
In the past, Birkett was a member of the British National Party and the Conservative Party. He is open about this history, noting his political views have evolved over time.
On alleged links with far-right organisations
In a statement issued to us, Birkett said, “I have never made a secret that four decades ago I joined the British National Party. I was 19 years old. Later on in my life, I joined the Conservative Party. I sat on the European Committee, ran the Conservative Business Club. I was even put forward as a councillor. Of the two political parties, I’m more ashamed of being in the latter.”
“The Woodlander Initiative is not affiliated to any political party and membership is not restricted based on anyone’s political ideology or membership of any political party.”
“Though I myself have had a background in conservative or right-wing politics, other members have been communists, hippies, libertarians and practically all else.”
“Much has been said about a speech I gave at a Patriotic Alternative conference. It was a speech outlining the futility of politics in the current era and the promotion of peaceful parallel institutions.”
“Although the Woodlander Initiative is not affiliated to Patriotic Alternatives, I find it difficult to find fault with that.”
In 2023, he registered The Woodlander Initiative Ltd, listing forestry as its business activity.
Birkett runs a YouTube channel where he discusses rural life, sustainability, and cultural heritage. His videos attract thousands of views, with his latest surpassing 5,000.
Membership Principles
The TWI website states that membership is open to those who share its guiding principles, including:
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Working to improve the future and safeguard the freedoms of the British people.
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Opposition to what it describes as unethical interference by globalist institutions.
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Remaining unaffiliated to political parties.
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Recognition of the English, Welsh, Scots, and Irish as distinct peoples within the British Isles.
Birkett emphasises that TWI is not a political organisation and that its focus is on rural skills, cultural traditions, and sustainable living.
On the allegation of a ‘whites only’ policy
“Our membership criteria does not mention colour, nor are any of our policies ever been discriminatory” Birkett told us.
“Whilst we are concerned that those with British heritage be able to keep, enjoy and prosper the land as the inheritance of their forebears, it is not a question of colour, it is a question of tradition, heritage and cultural roots.”
“Only an unfair mind could deny this prerogative to the English, Welsh, Scots and Irish, as it is enjoyed by other native populations.”
Vision and Activities
TWI describes itself as a land-buying initiative designed to help members reconnect with nature, live sustainably, and raise children in a setting removed from what it terms the “degeneracy” of modern society.
Through public fundraising, the group has raised over £160,000 towards a £1 million goal to purchase land in multiple counties across the UK. Planned activities include workshops on traditional skills, small-scale farming, and community gatherings.
Supporters highlight these as positive, family-friendly efforts to promote environmental stewardship and cultural continuity. Critics, however, interpret the group’s emphasis on heritage as potentially exclusionary, pointing to Birkett’s past political affiliations and his positive references to culturally homogeneous communities abroad.
TWI Mission Statement:
The Woodlander Initiative seeks to purchase land throughout the British Isles and we would like to see this land accessible to our members in every county. Global organisations are buying large areas to be used for “regenerative agriculture” and carbon offsetting, reducing our farming capabilities and limiting your access, in order that they can continue to do business as usual, whilst you are confined to a concrete 20 minute neighbourhood.
The land we purchase is to be used for the benefit of TWI participating members, this will range from conservation of our historic woodland, meadows and pastures whilst allowing members access to the land for recreational activities like walking, hiking and camping.
The Woodlander Initiative recognises the desire for many people to return to the land, in whatever form this may take, from growing fruit and vegetables, rearing poultry and livestock, to smallholdings and sustainable housing. It is our aim to ensure that this holistic, nature based way of living, either individually or in larger groups is encouraged and enthusiastically pursued. We aim to do everything we can within current rules to ensure as many of our participating members can move towards this goal.
The Woodlander Initiative recognises the insidious rules and regulations that seek to remove people from nature and their land. 15 minute cities, 20 minute neighbourhoods, the restrictions on vehicle ownership and the ability to access land, we aim to highlight these issues and to fight them on all fronts.
In addition to the purchasing land, The Woodlander Initiative wishes to encourage its members to pursue individual and group business ideas, from arts and crafts to more commercial endeavours, we understand the obstacles for many people wishing to start a business, with banks usually unenthusiastic, and with any loan or funding offered loaded with the additional burden or additional interest payments. We will wherever possible offer interest free funding on agreed terms with free guidance and support from TWI Officers and members.
The Overarching aim of The Woodlander Initiative is to take back control of our land, our freedoms and our future. We wish to create an environment where an alternative to the planned global technocratic trans-human vision can flourish and lead to a brighter future with a more traditional founding of family, nature and community.
Land Purchase in Wales
In late 2024 and early 2025, TWI purchased two plots of land near Llanafan Fawr in Powys. The site is accessed via a small country lane and track.
The first family camp is scheduled for the weekend of 13–14 September 2025, featuring nature-based workshops, traditional skills demonstrations, and other outdoor activities.
Some local residents have expressed concerns about the group’s aims and possible ideological influences, while others see no issue provided activities remain lawful and community-friendly.
Political and Legal Considerations
Under UK law, private individuals and groups may purchase land and organise activities on it, provided they comply with regulations and do not promote hate or incite violence.
Some Welsh and UK legislators have called for greater transparency around land purchases by organisations with ideological or political links. Others caution against making assumptions without clear evidence of unlawful intent.
On claims of extremism
“The woodlander initiative is not even a political organisation. This is plainly stated on our website” says Birkett.
“There is nothing extreme about wanting to preserve our woodlands and meadows from further wind turbines and solar farms. Nothing extreme about planting fruit trees or cleaning streams, all of which things we have undertaken.”
“Our opposition to the trend of urban modernity may strike some as eccentric, but no informed person could construe our aims on or activities as extreme, dangerous or repugnant.”
“More than anything, we have sat around a campfire, laughed, talked, shared stories and helped one another where we can. If any of these things are extreme in our day, then it reflects poorly on the culture at large.”
“Nothing we have done or said can be fairly accused of the least extremism. Only by exaggeration, tenuous association and bogus and homonyms is this term foisted upon us.”
A Broader Trend
Observers note that TWI’s mix of environmentalism, homesteading, and heritage-based community building reflects a wider movement of groups seeking to combine rural living with cultural identity. While supporters view this as a benign revival of traditional life, detractors worry it could lead to socially isolated communities.
The Woodlander Initiative remains a subject of both interest and debate. Its long-term impact in Wales and beyond will likely depend on how its vision is implemented and how it engages with surrounding communities.
Article Disclaimer:
This article has been edited and republished as new information comes to light regarding the Woodlander Initiative. As a result, this article has been changed to better reflect the parties concerned and to improve on our standards of journalism. – The Carmarthenshire News Online Team
Featured Image: Visions of a TWI Camp (made with Chat GBT for illustrative purposes).
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